Changes in Conn.’s restaurant restrictions explained
Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday the state would remove most capacity restrictions for businesses this month, which raised a few questions about restaurant seating capacity, the current “curfew” or early closing time, and alcohol service.
Here are some explanations to frequently asked questions surrounding the new guidelines.
When do the new restaurant guidelines go into effect?
These guidelines start March 19.
In a call with the Connecticut Restaurant Association Friday, David Lehman, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, said the date was chosen with the state’s vaccine timeline in mind. They considered the fact that more than 90 percent of the COVID deaths in Connecticut were residents over the age of 55.
“We think by that March 19, or the week thereafter, you will have a significant majority of not just the 55 to 64 year old group, but 65 and older [vaccinated],” he said.
Does the removal of capacity restrictions mean a restaurant can seat at 100 percent capacity?
Not exactly. While the state guidelines no longer restrict capacity, restaurants are still responsible for proper social distancing protocol. Tables must be placed at least 6 feet apart, and/or restaurants must use non-porous barriers like plexiglass.
That spacing requirement effectively limits capacity, restaurant owners say, so they are still unable to seat at 100 percent.
Lehman said Friday there isn’t yet a “hard date” when the state will relax the 6-foot spacing rule, but “we’re going to need to see where we are in terms of vaccinations and infections.”
Could a restaurant employ plexiglass or other barriers to get around the spacing requirement?
“It all depends on how the restaurant is laid out in terms of their physical footprint and their ability or willingness to use the plexiglass, the dividers that we also allow,” Lehman said at Gov. Ned Lamont’s news conference Thursday.
During the CRA call Friday, Lehman said he dines out two to four times a week, and he’s been “amazed” by the creativity some restaurant owners have displayed with plexiglass.
“Especially now it's more available and less expensive and I know it may only be used for a few more months here, but plexiglass: people have been really creative with that and I think that's been very effective.”
But in a tweet Thursday, J. Timothy’s Taverne in Plainville noted that some guests are not comfortable with the plexiglass barriers.
“We already have them in some areas. Some people are ok with it, some people are absolutely not,” they wrote. “So to spend more $$ for more plexiglasss when ppl refuse to sit there isn't really reasonable for us.”
Is there still a curfew/early closing time?
Yes. Restaurants are required to close by 11 p.m., with the last seating at 10:30 p.m. They can remain open for takeout and delivery.
“The curfew in our mind is a very clear and enforceable rule,” Lehman said Friday. He said he realizes neighboring Massachusetts and Rhode Island have done away with curfew restrictions, but that it would remain in place in Connecticut for the short term.
How many people can be seated in one party?
Up to eight people can be seated per table. “We’re trying to discourage huge groups that are going to be masked off indoors for periods of time,” Lehman said.
Can bars open?
Bars that serve only beverages will remain closed, Lamont announced Thursday.
Restaurants serving alcohol must also provide food “similar in quality and substance to a meal,” and alcoholic beverages may not be served to any patron unless such individual is seated at a table or bar and is presently consuming food prepared on the premises.
Can I book a private party at a restaurant?
Gathering sizes at commercial venues have been revised to 100 people indoors and 200 people outdoors.
Do I still have to wear a mask at a restaurant?
Yes. Mask mandates and social distancing will continue.